AirPods 4 vs AirPods 4 with ANC: Which should you buy?

Apple has not one but two new versions of its popular AirPods: the standard AirPods 4 and the AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). While both models share many similarities, there are a few key differences aside from the price tag that may influence your buying decision. In this AirPods 4 vs AirPods 4 with ANC comparison, we’ll break down the features, performance, and value of each to help you choose the right AirPods for your needs.

What’s it like to use the AirPods 4 compared to the AirPods 4 with ANC?

Both the AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC feature a redesigned shape based on a large sample size of various ears. Apple claims this new design fits better than previous generations. However, due to the one-size-fits-all approach and the fact that everyone’s ears are different, the experience can vary significantly from person to person.

Both models have an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance, making them suitable for workouts and light rain. They’re also extremely lightweight at 4.3g per earbud.

The main physical difference is in the charging case. The AirPods 4 with ANC case includes a built-in speaker that plays a noise for the Find My feature and supports wireless charging.

In my testing, controls are the same on both models: you pinch the stem indentation for playback and calls, and you can nod or shake your head to respond to Siri prompts. One important limitation is that neither version lets you adjust volume from the earbuds. Unlike the AirPods Pro 2, there are no swipe gestures on the stems, so you’ll need to use your phone or voice commands for volume changes.

Should you use the app for the AirPods 4?

Both models offer similar software features when paired with iOS devices. Adaptive EQ automatically tunes music to your ears. Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking creates an immersive, theater-like experience. Automatic device switching allows seamless transitions between your Apple devices. Audio Sharing lets you share audio with another pair of AirPods nearby. “Hey Siri” support enables hands-free voice commands. Find My integration helps locate your AirPods if they’re misplaced.

The AirPods 4 with ANC have additional features. Active Noise Cancellation reduces background noise for a more focused listening experience. Transparency mode lets you hear your surroundings when needed. Adaptive Audio automatically blends ANC and Transparency Mode based on your environment. Conversation Awareness activates Transparency mode when you start talking, making it easier to have quick conversations without removing your earbuds.

Both models can be customized through the Settings app on iOS devices. Quick adjustments can be made via the Control Center, allowing for easy access to key features and modes.

How do the AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC connect?

Both the AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC use Bluetooth 5.3 and support the AAC codec. They offer seamless pairing with Apple devices and can connect to multiple devices within the Apple ecosystem.

For non-Apple devices, both models can be paired manually by putting them in pairing mode. Both versions have a capacitive area on the front of the case, requiring a double-tap for this.

Is battery life better on the AirPods 4 or AirPods 4 with ANC?

In our battery testing, both the AirPods 4 and the AirPods 4 with ANC last 6 hours and 21 minutes of continuous playback on a single charge with noise control off. That’s noticeably better than Apple’s 5-hour rating, and it means neither model has a real advantage in baseline endurance. Enabling ANC or Transparency on the ANC model will reduce runtime slightly, but the core battery performance remains the same.

Each charging case provides approximately five extra charges, giving you a total of roughly 30 hours of listening time. Fast charging is equivalent: five minutes in the case yields approximately one hour of playback, and a full charge takes around 90 minutes.

The real difference is how you recharge the cases. The standard AirPods 4 case charges only over USB-C, while the AirPods 4 with ANC case supports USB-C, Qi/MagSafe wireless charging, and even Apple Watch chargers, making it much more flexible for day-to-day use.

Do the AirPods 4 or AirPods 4 with ANC block noise better?

The AirPods 4 with ANC clearly perform better for noise reduction, even with the limitations of an unsealed fit. In our lab measurements, the hybrid ANC reduces noise by about 20dB in the mids and highs, which covers most of the sounds that tend to be distracting in offices or city streets. Low-frequency noise still comes through more than it would on sealed earbuds, and results can vary depending on how well the earbuds sit in your ears.

The standard AirPods 4 don’t use ANC at all and offer almost no passive isolation. In practice, I can hear nearly everything around me, which is great for awareness but frustrating if you want to listen to music in noisy commutes.

Do the AirPods 4 sound better than the AirPods 4 with ANC?

Both the AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC offer similar sound quality, with only minor differences. They both use Apple’s Adaptive EQ technology to adjust the sound based on the fit and seal.

Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Scores (MDAQS)

Unsurprisingly, the MDAQS results here are the exact same. The projected mean opinion score of the AirPods 4 is 3.6, which is pretty typical of unsealed earbuds. Though these results may appear lower than those of the Apple AirPods (3rd generation), that’s because we no longer assist earbuds in fitting. What you’re seeing is closer to what you can expect in day-to-day use than a perfect fit. Still, this is quite good, comparatively.

Objective Measurements

The frequency response for both models shows a bass boost around 100Hz to compensate for the lack of seal, with a slight roll-off in the sub-bass region. There’s a noticeable peak around 2kHz, which can make sibilant sounds more prominent. The highs are generally well-extended if a bit underemphasized in the upper frequencies.

The main difference in listening experience comes from the ANC feature on the AirPods 4 with ANC, which can improve perceived audio quality in noisy environments by reducing background noise.

Do the AirPods 4 or AirPods 4 with ANC have a better microphone?

Both models use the same basic microphone approach, including AAC-ELD for calls and iPhone-side AI noise reduction. When paired to an iPhone, I find voices come through clearly in most everyday environments, and background noise rejection is generally strong. The reviews note that the processing can occasionally clip or cut out the voice briefly, but overall call quality stays reliable for meetings and on-the-go use.

Just keep in mind that mic performance drops off on non-Apple devices, as a significant portion of the noise reduction occurs on the iPhone itself.

AirPods 4 microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

AirPods 4 with ANC microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

AirPods 4 microphone demo (Office conditions):

AirPods 4 with ANC microphone demo (Office conditions):

AirPods 4 vs AirPods 4 with ANC: Price and availability

The AirPods 4 are priced at $129 at Amazon, making them the most affordable AirPods to date.

The AirPods 4 with ANC are priced at $179.99 at Amazon, $50 more than the standard model.

Both models are widely available through Apple’s website, Apple Stores, and authorized retailers.

Should you get the AirPods 4 or AirPods 4 with ANC?

Both models offer similar sound quality and core features, so the decision largely comes down to whether you need ANC and are willing to pay the $50 premium for it. If you frequently use your earbuds in noisy environments, the AirPods 4 with ANC may be worth the extra cost. However, if you prefer an open listening experience and want to save some money, the standard AirPods 4 are a solid choice.

What are some alternatives to the AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC?

While the AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with ANC offer unique features within the Apple ecosystem, there are compelling alternatives if you’re open to other brands.

The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC ($99.99 at Amazon) provides excellent value with features like active noise canceling and good sound quality. For even less, the EarFun AirPro 4 ($89.99 at Amazon) offers Bluetooth 5.4, high-res codecs, long battery life, and noise canceling.

The Nothing Ear ($149 at Amazon) delivers great sound quality and noise canceling at a competitive price, though they use silicone ear tips. If you prefer the AirPods’ design but want to explore outside the Apple ecosystem, consider the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 ($102 at Amazon), which offers a similar aesthetic.

These alternatives can provide comparable or even superior features at lower price points, especially for users not fully invested in the Apple ecosystem. However, they may lack the seamless integration with Apple devices that the AirPods offer.

AirPods 4 vs AirPods 4 with ANC: Frequently asked questions